From Facebook fakery to career goals and parental pressures, we are all influenced by narratives that make us miserable. How do we escape? With his characteristic plain-speaking charm, Professor Paul Dolan leads a lively, discussion-driven workshop on how to boldly re-design your life to make you happier.

Drawing on decades of research in behavioural science, Dolan shows us that happiness is in the small, everyday experiences. Being happier is not about changing how you think, it’s about changing how you act.

You will learn

 Part 1 – What is Happiness?

The difference between evaluation and experience

How we are misled by the narratives we construct

How policy is often influenced by questionable research

How to find a balance between pleasure and purpose

Part 2 – How Can I Achieve Happiness?

How intentions are poor predictors of behaviour

Why self-help books make you more miserable

What practical steps you need to take to change your behaviour – Priming, Defaults, Commitments and Norms.

About the Instructor

Paul Dolan is a Professor in the Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science where he holds a Chair in Behavioural Science.

Dolan, P. (2014). Happiness by design: Finding pleasure and purpose in everyday life. Penguin UK.